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Monterey Today
By the People, for the People
Monterey Bay Aquarium Names New CEO
After four decades under founding director Julie Packard, the aquarium names Jenny Gray as its next chief executive.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The Monterey Bay Aquarium has named Jenny Gray as its new CEO, replacing founding director Julie Packard who has led the institution for the past four decades. Gray is known as one of the most influential zoo leaders in the world and a passionate champion for conservation.
Why it matters
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most iconic and influential aquariums in the world, drawing hundreds of millions of visitors and welcoming millions of students for free educational programs. The transition to new leadership represents an important moment for the institution and its continued mission of inspiring ocean conservation.
The details
In a statement, Gray said the opportunity to lead the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a platform for her to contribute to ocean conservation, steward another iconic institution, and take on a new professional challenge. Packard, the founding director, said the transition feels like a natural next step and that Gray has 'tremendous admiration for the Monterey Bay Aquarium's inspiring exhibit experience and conservation impact' and is committed to delivering experiences that 'educate and delight.' Packard also noted that Gray's background suggests she may push the Aquarium's public engagement further into the policy arena.
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been under the leadership of founding director Julie Packard for the past four decades.
- Jenny Gray will be taking over as the new CEO of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The players
Julie Packard
The founding director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium who has led the institution for the past four decades.
Jenny Gray
One of the most influential zoo leaders in the world and a passionate champion for conservation, who has been named the new CEO of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
What they’re saying
“The opportunity to lead Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a platform for me to contribute to ocean conservation, steward another iconic institution, and take on a new professional challenge.”
— Jenny Gray (KQED)
“We're excited because Jenny Gray is one of the most influential zoo leaders in the world and a passionate champion for conservation. The throughline in her career has been to connect people with the beauty of this planet and to help them make decisions that support it.”
— Julie Packard, Founding Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium (KQED)
The takeaway
The transition of leadership at the Monterey Bay Aquarium represents an important moment for the institution and its continued mission of inspiring ocean conservation. The new CEO, Jenny Gray, is a respected leader in the field of conservation and is expected to build upon the Aquarium's legacy of engaging the public and policymakers on critical environmental issues.
